MiLB announces sponsorship with Barefoot

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Minor League Baseball announced Friday it has signed an agreement with Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, making it the "Official Wine of Minor League Baseball" in the wine and sparkling wine category for the 2015 and 2016 seasons. The sponsorship encompasses all 160 Minor League Baseball teams in the U.S. and Canada, connecting them to MiLB's passionate fan base of more than 42 million annual game attendees.

"The partnership with Barefoot Wine & Bubbly will include a national presence that features enhanced activation plans around the award-winning Barefoot product line," said Michael Hand, CMO of Minor League Baseball and president of MiLB Enterprises. "We are excited to create groundbreaking opportunities that include sampling, unique ballpark integrations and a charitable presence in many of our markets. Both Barefoot and Minor League Baseball recognize the importance of building strong bonds in the communities that we serve, and we feel this tremendous partnership will forge these relationships."

Barefoot Wine & Bubbly will activate various in-game elements each season of the sponsorship while sampling Barefoot Refresh, a light-bodied, slightly fizzy and refreshing wine specifically created for the ever-increasing number of wine occasions that extend beyond the traditional dinner table like baseball games. In-park elements include specialty signage, program ads and events beginning on Memorial Day weekend and running through the end of September. Barefoot will also have the opportunity to sponsor an activity benefitting a designated charity of its choice during the events, with the assistance of Minor League Baseball and its teams. On the digital front, the partner will have an integrated advertisement campaign across league and team websites.

"Our partnership with Minor League Baseball is intuitive," said vice President of Marketing, Stephanie Gallo. "Not only has MiLB been a tremendous partner for many years, but our consumers have the same mindset. Fans attend MiLB games to have fun and share experiences with family and friends, and consumers enjoy Barefoot Wine & Bubbly for these same reasons. Moreover, Barefoot has been giving back to local communities for years, and we love how MiLB allows us to further these efforts. What better way to bring this to life than through Minor League Baseball!"